controlled chaos – or is it?

Jules’ 2nd Birthday Party – Shabby Chic Cowgirl

For those who know me, I start thinking of birthday parties well in advance – my husband thinks I’m nuts. Since Jules’ birthday is right in the middle of July, it’s always a challenge to find something super cute besides pool parties.

It all started months back when I took some photos of the girls. I dressed them in adorable dresses and put them each a pair of boots. I fell in love with this picture

So I started snooping on Etsy and Pinterest for the perfect little cowgirl party – not too western, not too cowgirl-ish. I found the perfect little invitation and decided to go with the vintage shabby chic theme.

We got our girl some little squeaker boots, and paired them with her tutu and birthday shirt. She looked adorable.

So I’m a bit of a “theme freak.” I have so much fun planning parties for any occasion. I wish I could make a living just doing parties. The food is one of my favorites:

Decorations were a lot easier for this party than in the past. Burlap is cheap! I used a lot of burlap and some lace – added some picture frames and cute signs – and voila!

For the backdrop, I used burlap and a quilt from Jules’ bed. The paper fans were from Oriental Trading. I used a bunting that I had hanging in the girls playroom, and the wooden “J” I stole from the wall in Jules’ room.

With all of the burlap I had leftover (I bought an entire roll), I made a “J” to hang on the door. I think I will make a “K” in pink and hang them in the playroom.

Some of my favorite crafts for the party were the favors. I found this tutorial on Pinterest for “horses” made from pool noodles. They were super simple to make – and cheap. All the noodles were from the Dollar Store for .99. I displayed them in one of my laundry hampers :)

I also had some pink, blue, or white bandanas for the gang.

Any cowgirl needs a horse, right? My dad is my hero to brought us a pony and rode every kid more than once. He walked the entire party – we are so thankful for Grampi who spoils his grandchildren rotten! Also thanks to the family friend who let us borrow the sweet pony. The kids loved it – their little faces lit up every time they rode.

For anyone who didn’t want to ride the pony (or for anyone who wanted another ride), my mom and dad brought this vintage horse riding toy they keep in their garage. It was a hit!

Let’s talk about the cake. My friend, Toni, has made all of my kids birthday cakes. She is amazing. Not only do they look phenomenal, but they taste SO good. I am so spoiled by her cakes – no one compares! Each year when she brings one over, I think “this is my favorite one so far.” This year, she didn’t disappoint!

Before the pony had to go back home, Jules gave him a hug goodbye. Doesn’t it look like the pony is hugging her back? So sweet!

My girl blew out her candles all by herself this year. Here she is showing me “two” (almost got it)!

Before the rain came, it was HOT – really hot. The birthday girl was getting cranky in her shirt and boots, so I let her be free LOL.

After all that partying and pony-riding, our girl was worn out. Thanks to everyone for coming and celebrating with us!